Pourchaire eyes up F2 promotion
2020 Formula 3 Vice-Champion Théo Pourchaire is eyeing up a possible promotion to Formula 2 for 2021 after an impressive debut season.
The ART driver, who narrowly missed out on the title to fellow rookie Oscar Piastri, is confident he has shown the maturity needed to warrant a place in F2 next year.
Speaking after his third place finish in the final round at Mugello, he said: “After P2 in the Formula 3 Championship, really close to P1, with good performances at the end of the championship… For me I feel ready to go to Formula 2.”
His rookie campaign in Formula 3 saw him record two wins with eight podium finishes, the most podiums out of any driver on the grid this season. Additionally, he was one of only three drivers to have completed every lap of season, alongside Richard Verschoor and Enzo Fittipaldi.
The French driver, who is a member of the Sauber Junior Team, missed out on the title by three points at the final race in Mugello after impressing many in the paddock from early on.
His talent was clear for all to see after becoming Formula 3’s youngest race winner at the second weekend in Austria.
Pourchaire is one of the favourites to be given the opportunity to race in Formula 2 next year, especially as eight drivers from the 2019 Formula 3 season were promoted this year. A campaign in F2 could possibly see him continue his relationship with ART for another year.
ART, which was founded by Nicholas Todt and Alfa Romeo team principal Frédéric Vasseur, would be the prime environment for the young driver after taking the drivers’ titles with George Russell and Nyck De Vries in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Regarding his options for 2021, Pourchaire said: “Everything needs to be ready. The budget, everything. We’re going to speak with ART, because I think they’re proud of what I achieved today, and proud of this season.”
Vasseur had nothing but praise for Pourchaire’s campaign this season saying: “There are some hallmarks of great champions: skill, composure, the knowledge of when to attack and when to hold back and the ability to be competitive from the very start of any championship.
“Theo has shown all these qualities in his rookie season in Formula 3 and it’s been incredible to watch this huge talent develop in front of our eyes.
“Missing out on the championship for such a small margin should not detract from an impressive performance.”
Pourchaire, who was 16 when the season started and the second youngest driver on the grid, will definitely be one to watch in the future. With his youth and exceptional levels of talent, he’d be a stellar additional to Formula 2 next year.
Furthermore, with current Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Räikkönen’s long-term future in Formula 1 coming into question, could we be seeing the rise of a future F1 star in Théo Pourchaire? He’ll definitely be having his sights set on a promotion to the pinnacle of motorsport for 2022.
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*Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited and © SEBASTIAN ROZENDAAL / DPPI MEDIA / DPPI VIA AFP
